Rekindle romance: it’s not too late to keep the spark alive in your marriage

Wednesday

Dec 31, 2008 at 12:01 AMDec 31, 2008 at 8:41 PM

You’re partners, lovers and best friends. But have you been married so long that the spark of your passion has dimmed?

That doesn’t have to be the case, said George O’Hare, a member of the Illinois Executive Council of AARP.

By Melissa Erickson

You’re partners, lovers and best friends. But have you been married so long that the spark of your passion has dimmed?

That doesn’t have to be the case, said George O’Hare, a member of the Illinois Executive Council of AARP.

“Romance is no longer a privilege of the youth. Older people are determined to add more life to their years, and they realize that romance is a key component of health and relationships.”

Here are tips to keep the romance alive in a long-term marriage.

1. Take time to touch. Remember how good it feels to just hold hands or put an arm around a shoulder. Give your partner a neck massage. Sit closer together. The attention is a physical reminder of your love.

2. Be complimentary. It takes little extra effort to simply offer a compliment such as “Your hair looks nice today” or “Thanks for helping me carry the groceries.” Tell your partner all the things you love and appreciate.

3. Do something unexpected. Call for no reason to say, “I love you.” Buy flowers or better yet, simply pick one from the back yard. Leave a love note taped on the fridge.

5. Dine rather than just having dinner. Overcome the drudgery of common household chores. Shop for special groceries, dim the lights, light candles, dress up and have a dinner “out” in your own home.

6. Remember how you fell in love. Reread old love letters or look at your wedding album. Visit the site of your first date. Flirt in public.

7. Dance for romance. For no reason at all, put on some music and take a spin around the room. It’s incredibly romantic and spontaneous. It’s even better if you can dance in the back yard under the stars.

8. Schedule date night once a week. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does have to be special. Hold hands, chat and flirt. Try to leave work and other pressures behind and relax and enjoy each other.

SIDEBAR

Anniversary traditions

As the years pass, don’t forget to celebrate milestone anniversaries with special gifts.